Volunteer Success Program
Canada Youth Volunteer Success is funded in part by the Canadian Service Corps, a national movement that empowers youth aged 12 – 30 to gain experience and build important skills while giving back to their community. Learn more at canada.ca/canadaservicecorps.
About Us
York Region Educational Services (YRES) provides mentorship, training and workshops to prepare youth and connect them to service placements across Canada to address social isolation, inequality, and unemployment.
YRES is a proud recipient of Canada’s Volunteer Award, dedicated to leading community volunteerism!
YRES is a federally registered not-for-profit organization — and as such, volunteer hours can be counted toward the Secondary School Diploma requirement.
How Does It Work?
Steps to our Volunteer Program
Location
Across the GTA, Ottawa, Greater Vancouver, and Alberta.
Age Range
Anyone 12+
Cost
Completely free!
Opportunities
Flexible volunteer placements which can be in-person or virtual.
Join Us Today!
See What Others Have to Say
Testimonials From Community Leaders
Isa Lee - councillor at City of Markham
Staff Testimonials
Volunteer Testimonials
Our 2025 Yearbook
Networking and Orientation Opportunities!
This event is open to all! Make valuable connections to expand your professional network, and unlock new opportunities.
*RSVP is required
In-person Markham Networking
Details on Dates and Times Coming Soon!
605-3100 Steeles Ave East, Markham
Canada-Wide Networking Events
Events acorss Canada!
Please click on the RSVP form to view location, time and date information.
Get Free Perks!
Networking Opportunities
Monthly free networking events allow you to enjoy a free lunch while making new friends
1:1 Training Programs
Youth Advisors provide you with access to resources such as free books, training materials and 1:1 coaching
Access to Volunteer Conferences and Fairs
You are invited to the annual volunteer conferences and fairs, organized by YRES
Personalized Skill Development Plans (SDPs)
SDPs will allow you to improve skills for future careers. 45% YRES Summer Staff were YRES Volunteers!
What's in it For You?
🎓 Volunteer Certificate Recognition
Volunteers who complete 120 hours with YRES will receive an official Certificate of Recognition, verified by the Government of Canada.
This certificate not only acknowledges your contributions but also serves as a trusted credential to strengthen your career profile. It’s especially valuable for volunteers looking to gain professional experience and stand out in applications.
Volunteer Opportunities Calendar
Contact Us
Email Us
volunteer@yorkeducation.ca
Call Us
(647) 808 3398
Other Programs
Youth Workshops
YRES hosts various personal development workshops on top of the mentorship provided by this program!
Explore our Workshops
Check back soon!
We'll have more programs here soon!
FAQ
Click the “Apply Now” button, complete the intake form, and a youth advisor will help match you with a placement.
No, the program is open to all youth regardless of experience.
Opportunities include event assistance, photography, museum/library support, tech support, sustainability initiatives, customer service, and more.
Yes! Some opportunities are available remotely across Canada.
Yes! Volunteers get mentorship, workshops, and skill development plans (SDPs) tailored to their growth.
You will receive the following from this program:
- A certificate of completion
- Networking opportunities with professionals and organizations
- Transferable skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving
Yes! We host monthly networking events (Click here for details) and an annual Youth Conference & Volunteer Fair.
YRES Volunteer hours cannot be used to fulfill placement hours. Volunteer roles and placement/co-op positions are separate and cannot be used toward placement requirements.
To explore our placement or co-op opportunities, click here.
Only community activity hours at YRES or other non-for-profit organizations can be counted to the OSSD requirement*
At YRES, any training, meetings, lessons and activities you participate in will count towards your hours!
*OSSD volunteer hour eligibility may differ
You can reach us in the following ways:
- Email: Send us an email at volunteer@yorkeducation.ca
- Phone: Call us at 647-808-3398
- Visit Our Site: Check out our site for updates and to learn more: https://yorkeducation.org
- Social Media: You can also check for updates through our social media page on Instagram